6 Surprising Causes of Dandruff (And How to Prevent Them)
Dandruff is one of the most common chronic scalp issues that people of any age can experience. While dandruff isn’t dangerous or contagious, it causes the skin on your scalp to flake, which can be embarrassing. The severity of the flaking varies from person-to-person. While some may only experience minor flaking during dry seasons, others experience severe flaking and itching that last year-round, which is why dandruff can be difficult to treat. With that in mind, there is hope for people who have dandruff. Even though it can be challenging to treat, it can be controlled, in most cases.
Six Surprising Causes of Dandruff
Today, the scalp health experts at Active Care will share with you the six common causes of dandruff. Looking for an effective treatment for dandruff? Visit Active Care to shop our collection of Pro|Gen scalp treatments and anti-dandruff shampoo that is specially formulated to nourish and hydrate your dry, itchy, irritated scalp.
Who’s At Risk of Dandruff?
People of all ages can develop dandruff.
- Newborns and infants (Cradle Cap)
- Young adults through middle age
- More common in men than women (due to male hormones)
- Individuals with chronic or acute oily hair and scalp
- Certain illnesses and health conditions (i.e., neurological diseases, HIV infection, compromised immune system, etc.)
- Individuals taking certain medications or undergoing treatments for health conditions
What Are the Symptoms of Dandruff?
The most common symptoms of dandruff range in severity and include:
- White flaking of dead skin on the scalp
- White, oily flakes on the shoulders
- Itchy scalp
- Scaly scalp
- Crusty, scaly scalp in babies with Cradle Cap
- Redness and inflammation
How to Treat Dandruff
Depending on the severity of your outbreak, common dandruff treatments include:
- Over-the-counter shampoo treatment
- Medicated treatment
- Specially formulated plant-based treatment (Pro|Gen Comfort and Pro|Gen Balance)
- Home remedies
- Essential oils
Common Causes of Dandruff
Not Cleansing and Conditioning Enough
Washing your hair regularly is important to maintaining optimal scalp and hair health. While over-shampooing can contribute to scalp dryness, not shampooing and conditioning your hair enough is a sure way to develop dandruff. Cleansing your scalp and hair regularly removes dead skin cells, oils, dirt, and product buildup. Letting these issues buildup on your scalp can cause dryness and irritation that often leads to dandruff.
A good rule of thumb is to wash your hair every two-to-three days so that you don’t strip your hair of its natural moisturizing oils, but you prevent buildup.
Chronic Dry Skin
If you suffer from chronic dry skin, your chances of developing dandruff are heightened, especially if you don’t wash your hair frequently enough. Dry skin on the scalp can turn into dandruff if left untreated. Your best bet is to use hydrating scalp and hair care products, such as the Pro|Gen Deep Cleansing line, Pro|Gen Frequence, or Pro|Gen Comfort, all of which have soothing properties that hydrate and nourish the scalp.
Dry Seasons
The Mayo Clinic notes that dandruff is often worse during fall and winter. Running the heaters in our homes to stay warm has a drying effect on the body, depleting the skin of natural oils that moisturize and nourish the skin on the face and scalp. Spring is an ideal time to begin a rejuvenating scalp therapy treatment to restore moisture and nutrients to the scalp and hair follicles.
Living in a Dry Climate
Just as running the heater during the colder months has a drying effect, living in a dry, arid climate can also contribute to the onset of dandruff. If you live in a dry climate, staying hydrated and replenishing your scalp with moisture and nutrients is essential to preventing dry scalp and dandruff.
Sensitivity to Hair Products
If you have a sensitive scalp or sensitive skin in general, using hair care products containing harsh ingredients may cause dandruff to develop. Using strong hair care products, the wrong products for your scalp and hair type, or chemical-based products may irritate your scalp. Some reactions to hair products may include redness, itchiness, scaly scalp, and flakiness. If you experience any irritation from your products, stop using them right away.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes redness, rash, and oily skin to appear. Sometimes this condition can lead to dandruff on the scalp. While this condition can be lifelong for some, certain triggers can cause flare-ups, including the following:
- Seasonal changes
- Weather changes
- Dry climate
- Stress
Seborrheic dermatitis can be managed with dermatologist-recommended treatments. Treating flare-ups can also keep the symptoms at bay, which can reduce the risk of developing seborrheic dermatitis-induced dandruff.
Start An Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Regimen
Dandruff can be easily managed with an effective scalp care regimen. Soothe and nourish your dry, itchy scalp with Active Care’s exclusive Pro|Gen Balance line. This line of rebalancing booster, serum, shampoo, and lotion is specially formulated to purify the scalp, remove dirt and product build-up that clogs hair follicles, moisturize the scalp, and soothe the symptoms associated with dandruff. Find relief from itch, redness, and flakiness while improving the health of your scalp and hair from the root to the tip with Active Care Pro|Gen.
Be sure to peruse our entire Pro|Gen Collection to find the ideal itchy scalp treatment for your specific needs and hair type. We also offer natural supplements to support a healthy scalp and hair from the inside-out for both men and women.